It’s 9:30, I’ve just walked up the red carpet at the Bloor St Hot Docs Cinema. While later we’ll be swarmed in screaming fans and paparazzi, right now the crowd is more reserved. People from neighbouring communities, preparing to go head-to-head in a morning of clean-up, with local pride on the line. I’m hearing jesting of “it’s the Nobs vs the S.O.B.’s (North-of-Bloor vs South-of-Bloor). As a Beacher, I guess that makes me an S.O.B. Go team Harbord! I’ll be posting throughout the morning, and tweeting at @ChrisSchryer, follow along!
Teams are spreading out throughout the communities, vinyl-gloved and bearing blue garbage bags. In fact, team Annex has already had three teams come back for more bags and to drop their first bags. The Nobs are bringing their A-game, to be sure. But this is a marathon, not a sprint. 10:23am, there’s still plenty of time to go.
11:30am, walking the streets of Harbord Village and The Annex, I was struck that this must be how war correspondents feel. Litter to be picked up, but I must remain neutral, despite the seas of human suffering (or minor bits of litter yet to be lifted). Based on observation of the drop-off points, Harbord has rallied, and is drawing even. This will come down to the wire.
12:07pm the official count is not in yet, but the masses are. Young families, retirees, frat boys, soccer moms, the mix is as broad as the neighbourhoods. Beer is flowing thanks to the folks at Creemore, there’s wine, and a buffet of food ranging from pizza to poutine to wraps to wings. Everybody seems excited, and sure of their team’s victory. The Red Carpet is still buzzing, and we’re awaiting the arrival of the politicos.
1:29pm Counsillor Adam Vaughan addressing the crowd, and handing out prizes. I’m going to try to grab him before he heads out for comment.
2:02pm Results are in, and The Annex Wins, but it’s a close margin. Interviews with Adam Vaughan and MP Olivia Chow done, as well as Matthew Fuller from Creemore. Awesome time at the most innovative community clean-up in Toronto.
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